A faint itch tickled my cheek, as if someone were blowing right in front of me.

I stirred awake. The moment my eyes opened, an incredibly cute girl with a youthful face hovered before me.

"Did I wake up the wrong way?"

Murmuring to myself, I closed my eyes. Then I reopened them slowly—deliberate, almost ceremonial.

She was still there. And now, a hint of mischievous smile played on her lips.

"If you're awake, stop pretending. Get up," the girl with the doll-like face said.

Her voice was as sweet as her looks, laced with a subtle allure.

My gaze drifted downward—and my face burned crimson. She was lying on top of me. The deep neckline of her shirt revealed a startling expanse of pale skin. How could someone her age be so... well-developed?

"Oh? Blushing already? Hehehe~" A tinkling laugh escaped her. "So you're into this kind too, huh?"

*Also.* That word pointed to her master.

My face—whether you call it "mature" or "youthful"—flushed hot. I jerked my eyes away. "N-no! Misunderstanding!"

She must think I'm gay. Unfair! I'm a manly man of Class 5, Grade 2 at City No.1 High. Liking girls is perfectly normal. I shouldn't be judged like this.

"No worries~ C'mon~" She hooked a finger on her collar. "Look all you want~~"

I gulped. But then... something felt off.

Not sure what. Her voice, her moves, her whole aura—it all felt strangely dissonant. Like one of those shady computer gadgets with a three-second shelf life: the moment you "take" it, before the thrill even hits, the side effects crash in.

A sharp throb shot through my brain. All arousal vanished.

I thought for a beat, then covered my eyes with my hand. "So lewd. I don't look at stuff like this."

I won't look!

As an upright gentleman—renowned manly man of City No.1 High—I radiate integrity. Even when the school beauty walks by, I only sneak two glances... Others sneak three. I'm one glance more disciplined.

"You... *sigh*!"

She blinked slightly, then let out a wry chuckle.

She got it. Charm was a succubus's innate bloodline talent—effortless for her, taxing for others to resist. To nullify it without trying? Only one explanation.

Bloodline suppression.

"Never mind," she said, sliding off me. "I came all this way. Shouldn't you treat me like a guest?"

I glared, red-eyed. *You broke into my home. I haven't called the cops only because An Li's out—and I'm not sure I could beat you. Did you think it's because of your chest?*

Not stupid. She timed An Li's absence perfectly, picked the lock easily. Definitely supernatural. Me? I've mastered exactly one move—and using it drains my entire MP bar. No contest.

So I swallowed my pride. Sat up. Led her to the living room. Gestured to a chair. "Sit."

Grabbed the Tieguanyin tea, tossed leaves into a cup, splashed cold water, handed it over. "Tea!"

She smiled faintly—didn't sit, didn't drink. "Hello, Luo Xiaoxiao. I'm Lily. I come on behalf of the Queen of Night."

My pulse spiked.

Representing the Queen of Night... and she knew my name. Chilling. Is this her power?

I vowed to face her head-on someday. But not today. Better play weak. Stay polite.

I hurried over, pulled out her chair. "Please sit."

Dumped the cold brew. Scooped fresh leaves. Fetched the thermos from the kitchen. Poured steaming water. Offered the cup. "Please, have some tea."

Lily let out a soft, coquettish laugh. Like she'd found a new toy.

"Before the main topic," she drawled, "let me say this: if our talk stays light and pleasant today... my master might go easier on you. Maybe skip the extreme measures."

My heart thumped.

Wait—does this mean... I might avoid becoming a plush ball?